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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
decreasing by one
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "decreasing by one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing a reduction in quantity or value, specifically indicating that the decrease is by a single unit. Example: "The number of participants in the study is decreasing by one each week."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Alternative expressions(7)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
5 human-written examples
Mutations consist of increasing or decreasing by one the number of bits of random positions of the mutated candidate solution.
In 32 patients, the lumbosacral junction appeared morphologically normal on MRI but the number of vertebrae was abnormal, increasing by one in 18 patients (Fig. 3) and decreasing by one in 14 patients (Fig. 4).
Science
Decreasing by one standard deviation the number of actions per test item, increases earnings between 4.4 and 4.8%, which is an economically important impact if we compare it to the increase in earnings of about 5.5% due to one more year of schooling in this group age.
Science
Similarly, deletions and contractions are considered to be reducing operations, decreasing by one letter the length of the string.
However, a significant temporal reduction in the prevalence of aAAS exists, decreasing by one third from the 1960s and 1970s to 2000.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
This decrease led to its work force decreasing by one-sixth.
Wiki
And over the last four years, the city's average score on eighth-grade math decreased by one point.
News & Media
The number of sullen, argumentative and disruptive influences in the Manchester City dressing room has decreased by one, now that Emmanuel Adebayor has gone on loan to Real Madrid, with a view to a permanent move.
News & Media
This health state decreased by one with every time step.
The gender wage gap has only decreased by one cent since 2014.
News & Media
Consequently the sludge going to the lagoons could be decreased by one third.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "decreasing by one" when you need to clearly and concisely express a reduction in quantity or value by a single unit. It is suitable for technical writing, news reports, and general communication where precision is important.
Common error
Avoid using "decreasing by one" when you actually mean "decreasing to one". The former indicates a reduction in the amount by a single unit (e.g., from 10 to 9), while the latter indicates a reduction until only one unit remains.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "decreasing by one" functions as a modifier within a clause, specifying the extent of a reduction. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing quantifiable changes.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
20%
Wiki
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "decreasing by one" is a grammatically sound and clear way to express a reduction by a single unit. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. While relatively rare in overall usage, it appears in scientific, news, and wiki contexts. The phrase serves to quantify a reduction with precision, making it suitable for various forms of writing. Alternative phrases, such as ""reducing by one"" and "diminishing by one", offer similar ways to express the same concept. Ensure not to confuse it with “decreasing to one”.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Reducing by one
Simple synonym, replacing 'decreasing' with 'reducing'.
Diminishing by one
Replaces "decreasing" with "diminishing", implying a gradual reduction.
Lowering by one
Substitutes "decreasing" with "lowering", suitable for values or levels.
Decrementing by one
A more formal and technical synonym for "decreasing".
Going down by one
Informal alternative using the phrasal verb 'going down'.
Subtracting one
Focuses on the arithmetic operation of subtracting a single unit.
Taking away one
More colloquial, emphasizing the removal of one unit.
Cutting back by one
Implies a deliberate act of reducing something by one.
Scaling down by one
Suggests reducing something in size or quantity by one unit.
Shrinking by one
Conveys a reduction in size or extent, diminishing by a single unit.
FAQs
How can I use "decreasing by one" in a sentence?
You can use "decreasing by one" to describe a reduction in quantity. For example, "The number of errors is "decreasing by one" each day."
What is a simple substitute for "decreasing by one"?
A simple substitute is "reducing by one". Both phrases indicate a subtraction of one unit.
Is it correct to say "decreased of one" instead of "decreasing by one"?
No, "decreased of one" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""decreasing by one"", which uses the preposition 'by' to indicate the amount of reduction.
What's the difference between "decreasing by one" and "decreasing to one"?
"Decreasing by one" means reducing the value by a single unit. "Decreasing to one" means reducing the value until it reaches a value of one.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested